Worked in a store once

[jaybones]

Taught lessons before I finished my BA with minor in music. Started in November, and the store was selling those ubiquitous "starter packages" - El Cheapo acoustic, cardboard case, strap, extra set of strings and four free lessons. $199.00 + tax. The electric version was the same deal but included a ten foot cord and 10 watt Gorilla amp, for $249.00 + tax.

I hung out in the guitar room, and got 10% commission on what I sold. Plus I could drive my lessons by getting the kids (mostly) who were buying the starter packs as my students.

I was getting $4 per half hour lesson - store got $6. I was teaching about 6 or 8 lessons a week, so selling a couple packages a week really helped, about doubled my weekly take home.

I was in a working band, and could get gear for wholesale (for me), or wholesale + 10% for friends.

One evening this grandmother came in, said her grandson Johnny wanted to play guitar. She was looking at an electric package, said she had an old guitar that had been her husbands. Would we take it in trade.

Now I wasn't in the position to take trades, so I told her she needed to talk to the guitar manager Larry Music (swore that was his real name). He told her bring in what you've got, let me see if its worth anything.

She goes out to her car and comes back carrying a coffin case. Long story short (too late), inside is a 1936 D28. Her husband bought it new back then, played it a little, then put it back in the case and under the bed.

Larry looks at it sceptically, tells her the best he can give her in trade is $100.00. "These old guitars just aren't worth that much." Convinces her to trade it in, goes in the back to get the starter pack and write it up.

I approach the counter and ask if I can see her guitar. She says yes, and ITS MINT. Hard to ell it was ever played, no pick marks in the finish and minimal fret wear.

I tell her "Listen ma'am. This is a very valuable instrument.

[Kip Carter]

Boss ever find out why she didn't trade?

[Jimd826]

How does it end, anybody ever tell the boss?

[krisls]

Ack.... you cannot stop there, that is such a tease. WHAT HAPPENED>>>!!

Kris

[harmonics101]

i once worked at Fort Knox, the department of Treasurer offered me 6 magic beans for a million troy ounces of gold,

H

[joeguam]

jaybones...I officially hate you.
(unless you finish the story!!!)

[warbles]

...and...

...then...

...so...

[Tone Wood]

Did you get to keep your job?

On a side note, I wish Martin still did the coffin cases.

[coconuts]

Being valuable, she insisted on $200, he agreed and then fired you for interfering with the sale...

[Mosster47]

I too worked in a music shop when I was in high school for a little bit. This guy comes in with a bright yellow Strat Plus, a 95 if I remember right. Overall it was a beautiful guitar and in great shape. It has some signatures on it too.

He says; "I want to sell this to you, how much will you give me?"

I say; "I can give you $500 for it."

there is a pause

I then say; "Wait, who signed this guitar?"

He replies; "Ratt"

I end with; "Yeah, I'll give you $400"

The guy working next to me starts cracking up laughing. The guy grabbed his guitar and walked out. The owner came out of the back and said, "that laugh was worth every penny."

True story.

[NOTP]

I think we're supposed to fill in the rest of the story. Kind of like when there is am interesting or amusing photo posted on the internet, and you are being asked to add a humorous or clever caption.

Originally Posted by Mosster47

I then say; "Wait, who signed this guitar?"

He replies; "Ratt"

I end with; "Yeah, I'll give you $400"

I'm a Ratt fan! I laughed hard at this.

[Balmoral]

Need to know what happened!!

[Ciarre]

I'll do my part....

And add the end quotation marks.

"

[fortlee]

I'm going to write my own ending to this story since this cliffhanger is unbearable! Consider it AGF fan fiction.

...

I tell her "Listen ma'am. This is a very valuable instrument. You should get it appraised by a specialist."

Obviously Larry was not happy with my butting in and reported me to my boss who fired me on the spot.

The grandma felt really bad and apologized profusely, but in the end the damage was done.

"You're not in sales, son." Larry told me.

Grandma walked with me out to my car, still apologizing the whole time, and took my business card. A week later she called and asked if I gave private lessons. Being unemployed now, I of course said sure and she offered me $40/hr. I ask what she did with her husband's guitar. She said she got it appraised over the phone by this nice Mandolin Brother and decided to give it to Johnny to keep in the family as an heirloom.

Every time I go over to give a lesson Johnny insists that I play the '36 Martin and he play the Ovation I use for lessons. So because of my kindness, I now have a better job and a family realized how valuable their guitar is.

[harmonics101]

You want the ending of the story ?

The Original Poster was eating POPCORN happily ever after

H